Living in Netherlands?

Question

Hi everyone. I will be living in the Netherlands as from next year and that is only if I make it through the final internship interviews in Septermber. Basically I would like to have more information about the country (i.e. the cost of living including accomodation and anything suitable for a 21-year old foreigner). I will be staying in Amsterdam if that would help. I would love to know the approximate monthly cost...i do not mind living at a students' residential area (i'm a student now...). Your help will be highly appreciated.

If there is anyone who has done an internship in Netherlands... please feel free to share the experience.

Thank you very much!!!

Answer 1

My son is a student in AMS, and he is living on an allowance of 700 euro, inclusive everything, even holidays and washing his clothes.
Apparently he was able to save money to visit Greece this summer. So I guess 700 is enough.

Of course it all depends on how simple you want to live. Do you need your cell phone, and make a hundred telephone calls each day, or do you just visit them? Do you want to be lazy and have a car, use public transport, or do you want to visit your friends using your bicycle. Do you make your own dinner, or do you want to order pizza a few times per week? Do you want to clean your own house or hire someone to do it for you?

Answer 2

I worked in NL for some time. About the cost of living that depends on what you are used to. If you live in UK then it's more or less the same. Housing sure is expensive! However if you live in a student house, with shared kitchen and share toilet than it might be cheaper, say 200 to 300 euros minimum. If you want your own kitchen and toilet then prices go higher! Renting a room is someone house might be an intermediate solution.
As for what you would spend monthly, that depends on your lifestyle, if you eat out often (that is expensive in NL at least when compared to southern countries), if you go to the movies, etc. Also if you use public transport or go by bike. Bike is cheaper, sure, as it should be one time investment (unless it gets stolen, of course).
But again, depends on what is your country of origin (to compare) and what you are used to.